Cardiovascular & Respiratory Disorders
Questions with Detailed Answers
1. Implications for GERI nursing (Respiratory Disorders: Interventions) -
ANSWER many cannot be cured so palliative and controlling disease
process
Goals: reduce risk of exacerbations/hospitalizations, maximum function,
preventing premature disability
Teaching (e.g. smoking, breathing, O2, ID infection) very important
Treatment can occur in home settings in most cases
Implications for GERI nursing (Respiratory Disorders: Teaching Interventions) -
ANSWER smoking cessation,
secretion clearance techniques,
identification/mgmt of exacerbations,
breathing retraining,
mgmt of depression/anxiety,
nutritional support,
proper med admin, (including inhaler, nebulizer)
peak flow meter
cleaning equipment
importance of good oral care after inhalation treatments
proper O2 use
coping strategies
maintaining sexual activity
2. Implications for GERI nursing (Respiratory Disorders: Multidisciplinary Care -
GOALS) - ANSWER - Inc. independence
- improve function
- dec. hospitalizations
- inc. exercise toleraqnce
- inc. self-esteem/self-care skills
- improve quality of life and comfort
3. Implications for GERI nursing (Respiratory Disorders: Multidisciplinary Care -
Dietary Education) - ANSWER address reasons for weight monitoring
, s/s of malnutrition
weight loss can be rapid b/c energy for breathing while eating
early satiation (fullness) caused by congested abd
anorexia occurs b/c sputum production, gastric irritation from
bronchodilators/steroids
monitor for fluid overload in HF pts
4. Implications for GERI nursing (Respiratory Disorders: Multidisciplinary Care -
Activity/Exercise Tolerance) - ANSWER Assessed by RT and OT
activities prescribed to inc. endurance and improve resp status
may be done w/ or w/o O2 supp
referral should be done as soon as condition allows
teach sexual activity still possible
5. Implications for GERI nursing (Respiratory Disorders: Multidisciplinary Care -
Medications) - ANSWER primarily to treat infection and control SOA/sputum
production
inhalers can be difficult with dexterity issues/strength (e.g. arthritis) - special
adaptive devices available
consider economic concerns, know options
consider transport/limited income
Medicare coverage for O2 and nebulizers determined by need (< 88% sat improved
by O2)
Supplemental oxygen NEVER covered by insurance when comfort measures
income can cause anxiety and a focus on most basic phys needs
6. Implications for GERI nursing (Respiratory Disorders: Multidisciplinary Care -
Prevention) - ANSWER Pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax) - ≥65 yrs - usually a
one-time dose but sometimes second dose recommended by PCP
streptococcal vaccine (Prevnar) - ≥ 65 yrs - one-time dose and outside of 1 year
before or after Pneumovax in order to be covered by Medicare
Streptococcal pneumonia most lethal form
Annual flu immunizations each fall, additional may be recommended by public
health
7. Modifiable Factors to Minimize Risk for Heart Disease - ANSWER - control BP
- maintain healthy trigs and lipid levels
- prevent/control DM
- cease/never use tobacco products
- reduce exposure to pollutants